About the Department
The Computer Science department places a strong emphasis on inter-disciplinarity,with the aim of bringing the methods and tools of computing to a variety of other disciplines, and in turn enriching and expanding what it means to do computer science research. The Department is deeply involved in joint projects with faculty members in other departments of the Viterbi School of Engineering and throughout the University. Many of these interactions take place in a large number of Research Centers and Institutes, and several of our faculty have strong research connections and joint appointments with other schools and departments, both within and outside of these Centers. For example, several faculty members hold joint appointments in the Neuroscience Research Institute, while others have joint projects with professors in the School of Medicine, the School of Business, the Geography Department, and many others.
In our MS curriculum, we offer a large number of specializations, including Computer Networks, Software Engineering, Multimedia & Creative Technologies, Integrated Media Systems, Intelligent Robotics, and Computer Security. Our newest program is a specialization in Game Development, developed in consultation with the gaming industry. Many of our courses are offered through the USC Viterbi School of Engineering's Distance Education Network (DEN), which has been named one of the top e-learning graduate programs of Engineering by
U.S. News & World Report.
In summary, the department is committed to providing an exciting academic program, combining instruction and research to prepare students for the great challenges of the 21st century.
Master's Degree Programs Offered [back to top]
Master of Science in Computational Linguistics
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Computer Science (Game Development)
Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Security)
Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Networks)
Master of Science in Computer Science (Computational Linguistics)
Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering)
Master of Science in Computer Science (Intelligent Robotics)
Master of Science in Computer Science (Multimedia and Creative Technologies)
Master of Science in Computer Science (High Performance Computing and Simulation)
Application Criteria [back to top]
The following is a summary of the application criteria. For further information about the department and its programs, please visit the department website.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics or engineering from a regionally-accredited institution
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Substantial background in comupting and completion of several courses in college level mathematics (minimum: one discrete mathematics and one year of calculus)
- Admissions Materials:
| Program |
Transcripts
|
GRE*
|
Statement of Purpose
|
Letters of Recommendation
|
TOEFL
|
| Computational Linguistics |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
International Only
|
| Computer Science (General) |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
International Only
|
| Computer Science (w/ Specialization) |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
International Only
|
* Average GPA of admitted students is 3.5; average GRE Quantitative score is 760.
How to Apply [back to top]
Please submit the following, if necessary, to the USC Office of Graduate Admission via the online application system by clicking here.
- Statement of Purpose (optional)
- The statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
- Recommendation Letters (optional)
- Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. If unable to submit through the online application, letters should be submitted on official letterhead.
Please arrange to have the following sent to the USC Office of Admission (USC Graduate Office of Admission, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915):
- Official Transcript(s) from all post-secondary schools you have attended, and official translations if they are not in English.
- General GRE scores (no older than 5 years) sent through ETS to the University of Southern California, ETS code 4852. One advanced test from computer science, mathematics or engineering is recommended, but not required.
- Official TOEFL scores (for international students, no older than 2 years) sent through ETS to the University of Southern California, ETS code 4852.
Application Deadlines [back to top]
In order to evaluate any application for admission, application materials must be submitted by the deadlines listed:
| Program |
Spring
|
Summer
|
Fall
|
| Computational Linguistics |
October 1
|
Not Available
|
April 30
|
| Computer Science (General) |
October 1
|
Not Available
|
April 30
|
| Computer Science (w/ Specialization) |
October 1
|
Not Available
|
April 30
|
Contact Information [back to top]
For the Computer Science Department:
http://viterbi.usc.edu/cs
Student Services
Tel: (213) 740-4496
Fax: (213) 740-7285
Email: csdept@cs.usc.edu
